Down Syndrome Is a Rare Genetic Disorder
Myth
Down syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
Truth
Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition; approximately one in every 700 births results in a child with Down syndrome.
People with Down Syndrome Have Severe Cognitive Delays
Myth
People born with Down syndrome suffer from severe delays in cognitive development.
Truth
The degree of cognitive impairment in people with Down syndrome ranges from mild to moderate. Children with Down syndrome participate fully in both general and specialised educational programmes. Researchers and educators continue to discover the full range of learning abilities and skills of people with Down syndrome.
Most Are Placed in Permanent Care Facilities
Myth
Most people with Down syndrome are placed in institutions or permanent care facilities.
Truth
People with Down syndrome today live at home with their families and actively participate in educational, vocational, social, and recreational activities in the community. They are now integrated into mainstream educational systems and take part in many community activities, including sports and arts programmes.
They Must Be in Separate Educational Programmes
Myth
Children with Down syndrome must be placed in separate, specialised educational programmes.
Truth
Children with Down syndrome are integrated into mainstream academic classrooms, though each child requires an individual education plan. Some people with Down syndrome are able to complete secondary school and obtain diplomas, and some have earned university degrees.
Adults with Down Syndrome Cannot Be Employed
Myth
Adults with Down syndrome cannot be employed.
Truth
Adults with Down syndrome can be outstanding employees when they receive appropriate training. We have a vocational training programme focused on achieving this goal, and we have successfully trained and placed graduates in various jobs — including positions in small and medium enterprises, fast food outlets, grocery stores, hotels, and educational institutions.
They Are Always Happy
Myth
People with Down syndrome are always happy.
Truth
People with Down syndrome experience the full range of emotions — joy, anger, sadness, and pain — just like everyone else. They respond to the positive feelings of friendship and feel anger towards disrespectful or harmful behaviour.
Down Syndrome Cannot Be Cured
Myth
Down syndrome cannot be cured.
Truth
A recent study (Proof of Concept) shows that CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology can remove the extra copy of chromosome 21 in Down syndrome cells in the lab, which could help restore genetic balance. However, these results are still in the early stages and are not yet ready for testing on humans.
